Wanted: more basic classes - Forum - health clubs should provide simpler choreography in exercise classes

American Fitness, Nov-Dec, 2002 by John W. Selleck

I'm a 52 year-old private duty pediatric nurse. I didn't start exercising until my 40s. As a result of 30 years of heavy smoking and eating whatever I liked, my body was in poor shape. I was 6'3", weighed over 247 pounds and had 35 percent body fat. Since I stopped smoking and implemented weight training, diet changes and a gradual increase in aerobic exercise, I now weigh 210 pounds and have less than 10 percent body fat.

When I started, I couldn't ride an exercise bike for more than three minutes. Since then, I've increased my time on the bike to over an hour and have advanced to running, three to four miles, three to four times a week. Like most men, I was reluctant to try aerobic/step exercise.

About two years ago, I tried a beginner aerobics class and really liked it. However, I ran into a problem--I couldn't enroll in enough classes. From what I've read, you need five aerobics classes a week to improve your cardiopulmonary system and at least three classes a week to maintain it. In order to take that many beginner classes in my area, I would have to join at least two gyms or pay daily rates to take their classes. Since intermediate classes weren't available, I started taking some of the "regular" classes. Unfortunately, the music was too fast, choreography too difficult and steps as well as teaching methods very different from class to class. I spoke to the gym management about adding more basic classes and was told there wasn't a need or not enough instructors wanted to teach basic aerobics/step.

After about three months of attending mixed classes, I decided to fix part of the problem. I asked the head of the aerobics program how to become certified and if she would be willing to have more basic programs if I became certified. She said I could start teaching one class a week and, if that worked, teach two classes a week. I went through AFAA's primary certification program and was certified in February 2001.

I now teach basic aerobics and step twice a week. I also teach one interval, two cardio/sculpt and two muscle moves classes a week. My basic aerobics and step classes are taught to commercial country music aerobic/step tapes. I start with a warm-up and stretch at 120 to 130 bpm, change to standing aerobics at 140 to 150 bpm, go into step at 118 to 122 bpm, finish with a cool-down and conduct a long stretch session at 100 to 110 bpm. I teach my students the perceived effort method of limiting themselves. Before every class, I tell them it is OK to go back to a march or basic step if they are working too hard.

My classes have little choreography. I aim to make them as easy and fun as possible, while maintaining a high level of physical challenge for students who want it and less complex options for those who need them. I try to integrate smooth transitions with high repetitions, give effective verbal cues, praise my students, introduce steps needed to advance to other classes and maintain or increase students' motivation for fitness. I explain how proper body alignment and correct movements make exercises successful. In other words, I stick to the basics.

As a reward for my efforts, I have a large number of regular students. Moreover, the people I actively recruit keep returning. I also have students bring friends and family members to class. Best of all, my students say they prefer my "back to basics" teaching approach and would like to see more classes taught this way.

However, I have had a few negative responses to my teaching methods. The biggest complaint is, "You play the music too slow in your step class." To these people I explain that for the best results and their safety, the latest studies indicate the maximum speed step should be taught at is 126 bpm. This is the speed I teach at and other options, such as adding risers or running the movements up, can optimize their workout. Since I began teaching, I've lost three students to complaints about speed, but retained 10 after my explanation.

A tool I like to use is questionnaires. I try to pass them out every two to three months to see how I'm doing. I ask students to rate, from one to five, the class, music, cues, transitions and effort level. I leave a space at the bottom for comments and don't ask for names. So far, other than the aforementioned complaints, the reviews are good.

The main question my students and others, who cannot take my classes due to scheduling conflicts, ask is, "Why can't they run more classes like this?" This is also my question and the reason for this article. If students want more basic classes, easier choreography and less speed, why can't they get them? If we can't provide more beginner classes, where do we get our new students? I've spoken with many people who say they've taken one or two classes, but quit because it was too difficult. As long as we are increasing their fitness levels, does it have to be that difficult? Don't these people deserve enough classes to achieve their fitness goals?

I think they do. I realize fitness clubs are a business and need to make a profit. Nevertheless, they must also meet the needs of their present and future clients. I feel we should ask clients what they want. If the answer is more basics, will we be willing to give them what they want? I hope so.